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 There's nothing as satisfying as a book that's a real page-turner, that never lets you put it down until you've flicked over the last page - and find yourself still wanting more. If there was an anime series than managed that same effect (without the physical page-turning, obviously), Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is it...
There's an awful lot going on in the thirteen episodes on this set. We begin with the surprise appearance of the boys' father, Hohenheim, in Dublith - bringing with him an ominous warning of the future - before moving on to Central as the scheming of the homunculi kicks up several gears and moves us into territory where you really don't want to miss a thing.
But running through all the story here is the spectre of the Fuhrer, King Bradley. He's always been seen as a real tough nut, a hardened fighter, ruthless when needed, but who is also a wise, measured ruler and family man - just the sort of person you would want to be ruling your country, in fact. The truth of the man behind the eye-patch, though, is something very different, with strong hints being placed at the beginning of the set that Bradley is in fact a homunculus - a rumour that later investigation bears out to be true. This volume of Brotherhood is essentially the story of that investigation, and it's riveting stuff from beginning to end, with several characters being placed in positions where their lives are genuinely in danger (and after Hughes' untimely demise, it's clear that this series isn't afraid of killing people off).
Into this rather volatile situation come two people on missions from the distant land of Xing: Ling Yao (along with his bodyguards, Lan Fan and Fu, and young girl May Chang. Both are distantly in line to the throne of Xing, being children of the current emperor there; and both have hit upon the same idea of advancing the causes of their own clan within the royal family and improving their chances of gaining the succession: to find the secret of immortality, which alchemy is rumoured to provide, and bring that secret back to their Emperor. Ironically, while it's May Chang who specifically wants to meet Ed (and it has to be said that she's got a somewhat idealised view of him), is Ling Yao who first meets and joins forces with the brothers, being dragged into the ongoing battle against the homunculi in the process.
They're two very different characters. May Chang is clearly young (un-nervingly so, given her capabilities), skilled in the martial arts and in alkahestry - the Xing equivalent of alchemy, although there it's been turned into a medical discipline rather than a fighting tool. Her age, though, means that she may have an unrealistic expectation of what she's letting herself in for. Ling Yao is better prepared - as witnessed by him bringing backup with him - but even he ends up shocked by the level of violence that comes from messing with those who hold the secret of immortality. One of those characters who only ever opens his eyes when he's about to get serious, he comes across as an out-of-universe Xellos - appearing and disappearing at his own whims (just without the use of magic), and always leaving you uncertain as to what his real motives really are and whether he can be trusted or not. And just like Xellos, I like him.
Add in: another trip through the Doorway of Truth for Ed, where an uncomfortable surprise is waiting for him; a detailed look into Scar's history; revelations that Winry in particular finds hard to deal with; Ed & Al finally learning about Hughes' death, despite the best efforts of Mustang to keep it from them; and more besides, and there's a lot to keep track of here. The pace never lets up - but not once did I feel the need to stop and take a breather. Each episode came and went apparently in a flash, leaving me wanting more, more, more and queuing the next episode up to get it - until the disc finally ended, on a cliffhanger moment that left me almost screaming at the screen, thanks to the prospect of having to wait at least a month to get the next instalment. This is the sort of feeling you want to get from all shows, and yet so few manage to do it.
When I first started Brotherhood, I'll admit I was sceptical - remakes that surpass their originals are very rare, and despite the good vibes around this version of Fullmetal Alchemist I has expecting to be disappointed. Two volumes in, and I'm anything but - the series is a complete gem, and a must-see. Go get, now.
You'll note below that this volume is available on Blu-ray. If you're thinking of buying the Blu-ray version, though, you may want to read this news article first.
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